The Bachelor of Arts (Global Experience) is the flagship international undergraduate programme in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies at University of Galway. This highly flexible, subject-based degree is designed for students who want to explore their academic interests and shape a degree that suits their goals whilst also gaining a global experience.

• In Year One, you’ll select three subjects from a range of 23 subjects which are divided into 7 subject groups. While you may only choose one subject from any one subject group, the structure of the course offers a multitude of different subject combinations. When considering what subjects to pick, start with what interests you. Perhaps you might choose a subject you loved studying at school, a subject that aligns with your future career goals or maybe one you’ve never tried before. Take some time to explore your options by clicking on the subject links below.
• In Year Two, you will continue with two of these three subjects. There are a small number of subjects that have specific progression requirements from Year 1 to Year 2. These are:
• Psychology Progression: Students who complete Psychology in First Year may progress to either the BSc (Psychology) programme (15 places available) or continue with Psychological Studies (100 places). Selection is based on academic merit from first-year results, requiring a minimum average of 40% in each subject.
• Law Progression: Entry to Second Year Law is limited to 100 students and is also based on academic performance in First Year, with students needing to pass the First Arts exam outright (average of 40% or higher in each subject).
• Mathematics Progression: Based on module selection in Year 1, students will progress to either higher level Mathematics or Mathematical Studies in Year Two. Find out more information here Mathematics and Mathematical Studies. To continue Mathematical Studies, students must achieve 45% in Mathematics in First Year. For Mathematics (honours), students need at least 60% and a pass in module MA186, ideally having studied higher-level Leaving Cert Mathematics. 
• In Year Three, you will spend an academic year studying abroad in a partner university. This will give you the opportunity to enhance your learning experience and increase your cultural awareness by living and studying in another country. We have partnerships in Europe via the Erasmus programme, as well as in the United States, Canada and Hong Kong, and the study abroad opportunity is open to both language and non-language students. You will study modules related to your degree during the period abroad. Please note that your academic results in Year One and in SemesteOne of Year Two will have an impact on the partner university options available to you, as well as your choice of subjects.
• In Year Four you will return to the University of Galway and study your two subjects for your final year.

Subjects on offer in the BA (Global Experience)

Curriculum Information

• Unique Course 
  This unique course allows you to shape your own degree from 23 subjects across 7 subject groups with an inbuilt study abroad experience.  
• Top Ranked 
  Study at one of the Top 250 Universities in the world for Arts and Humanities (QS Subject Rankings 2025) 
• Study abroad
  Full year abroad, where you can live, study, and immerse yourself in the culture of your study destination.
• Employability
  Develop skills that are highly desired by employers such as adaptability, communication and cultural awareness.

Our BA (Global Experience) opens doors to exciting careers all over the world. The programme will equip you with key skills that employer s are seeking here in Ireland and globally such as:

• Communication- perfect for careers where you need to communicate with colleagues from all around the world.
• Intercultural awareness -understanding different cultures and how to work with them.
• Critical thinking - solving problems and thinking outside the box.
• Teamwork - collaborating with people from all over the world.

No matter what subjects you choose, the BA (Global Experience) will give you the skills to build a successful career in a globalised world.

In Year 3, all students on this programme will study abroad at a partner university. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to complement and expand your existing studies in another university, and also to explore a new culture and meet other students from all around the world.

• Your study destination will be selected based on the subjects that you are studying. For students studying two non-langauge subjects, you will complete your study abroad in a partner university that teaches through English, in Europe or further afield in the USA, Canada or Hong Kong. Learn more about our partner universities here.
• If you are studying one language subject, you’ll spend a full academic year immersed in your chosen language in a country where that language is spoken.
• If you're studying two European languages, you can choose from these options:
• Spend a full academic year on Erasmus in one country, plus at least 12 weeks in the other.
• Split the year, spending one semester in each country on Erasmus.

If you are studing Gaeilge as one of your subjects you'll spend one semester in the Gaeltacht and the other semester studying abroad.

How Your Study Abroad Will Shape Your Future:

• This year is all about adventure, independence, and setting yourself up for an exciting global career.
• You will gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and see the world from a new perspective.
• You will gain crucial life skills, from navigating a new city to making international friends.
• You will discover more about yourself and become accustomed to adapting to different situations.

Each individual subject in the BA (Global Experience) will be assessed separately. Assessments vary from module to module, but you can expect to have a mix of essays and written assignments, in-class presentations and group assignments, as well as some written examinations.  

At the beginning of each module, you will receive a module outline which will detail the learning outcomes, the assessment methods and even the recommended study hours so that you know what to expect from each subject.

The Year Abroad in Year 3 is assessed entirely on a Pass/Fail basis. Students are generally expected to attain 40-45 ECTS between their two subjects while studying abroad.

artsundergrad@universityofgalway.ie
091-433958
www.universityofgalway.ie/arts

Q: What is the difference between the BA (Joint-Honours) and BA (Global Experience)?
A: The structure of the BA (Joint-Honours) and the BA (Global Experience) is the same in that students select three subjects in First Year and will continue with two of these subjects to degree level. The main difference between the BA (Joint-Honours) and the BA (Global Experience) is that the BA (Global Experience) is a four-year programme and has a study abroad year in Year 3, regardless of whether or not you are taking a foreign language to degree level.

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes. 

Alternative Pathways
The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links: 

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students 
• Access and Foundation programmes 
• HEAR Scheme 
• DARE Scheme 

QQI/FET/FETAC Places
There are 2 places available on Bachelor of Arts (Global Experience) GY129. Holders of recognised QQI (FETAC Level 5/6) qualifications in any of the following awards who achieve a minimum of five distinctions, may be admitted on a competitive basis to Year One:
5M2073 Languages & European Studies
5M2154 Cultural & Heritage Studies
5M2181 Applied Social Studies
5M3114 General Studies
6M3674 Community Development
5M2464 Journalism

Other Qualifications
If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students 
• International Baccalaureate students  
• EU students 

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.  

Admissions Office 
Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.  

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants 
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants 
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €2,500 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information. 

There are some very limited scholarship opportunities with some of our study abroad partners to cover some of the costs of studying abroad.

Application Process
Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information
Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.  

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